A Collaborative Initiative for Mobility and Autonomy of Older Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT Social participation is associated with successful aging. However, older adults encounter many barriers for social activities. The study aims for the proposition of solutions in favor of increasing the participation of older adults in daily life activities. A living-lab design was chosen to ensure the active participation of older adults and the stakeholders. The data collected included questionnaires, workshops writings and surveys. A total of 159 older adults and 126 collaborators participated in the study. The results showed a gap between the perception of the geriatric professionals and the reality of the difficulties reported by the older adults. Professionals perceived for 80% that walking was the main issue for mobility while only 23% of older adults said so. Seven topics were investigated: Technology, Nutrition, Health, Housing, Transportation, Social Network and Activities. To maintain autonomy and mobility, Social Network was the most important topic before health and transportation. Older adults and collaborators were unaware of the variety of local existing solutions. That shows malfunctioning in the communication strategy. The study detected contact person among the older adults who are highly motivated and convinced by the action. The collaborators should rely on contact persons for the transmission of the information to their peers.